'Pete the Pirate' belonged to a more innocent age

For those of us who grew up in Baltimore in the 1950s and '60s, news of the passing of Larry Lewman, aka "Pete the Pirate," brought back fond memories of other locally produced TV shows such as "Romper Room," "The Collegian," "Dialing for Dollars" and "The Buddy Deane Show."

At a time when there were only three television channels to choose from, these shows were immensely popular and much beloved. They are a reminder of a more innocent age when life seemed simpler.